mech mod questions

[crazyfingers123]

I have an apollo clone with holy grail rad coming in a few days. This is my first mod, I've been using an mvp 2.0 w/o nautilus. First any tips would be greatly appreciated! Next what kind of battery brand should I use and what would be a good price to pay? The guys at my local B&M are going to help me with the coils, but I'm pretty sure his batteries are way marked up.
Thanks!

 

[Susan~S]

You are going to want a safe-chemistry, high-drain battery with a high CDR. How high? I'll quote @tj99959.

Everyone is free to set their own parameters, and I can only say what mine are.

I try to never exceed 50% of the CDL of a battery. So with your 20a batteries, that would be 10a.
This Ohm's Law Calculator tells me that a .4 ohm build is as low as I would want to use.

The reason that I place a 50% limit is because as a battery ages the mAh of the battery degrades, as the mAh degrades ... so does the batteries c rating. (amp limit) So down the road, your 20a battery may only be a 10a battery.

Since you are new to mech mods and rebuildables I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. You are now 100% in control of your own safety (and others around you). Make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.

Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding battery safety, Ohm's Law, CDR (continuous discharge rating/Amps) and how they all fit together are listed below:

BATTERIES

Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.

Purple Efest Batteries not as Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.

OHM'S LAW

Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.

Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.

BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY

Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.

* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics

 

[xfairyxcrusherx]

Welcome to mechs!

First, I strongly advise using the steam engine app or website when building coils. This will tell you how to reach your desired ohms.

The battery's recommended would be either Sony vtc4/5 or the Samsung 25r. Very affordable and trust worthy website is Illumn.com - Flashlights, Batteries, Carry Gear, Intelligent LED Lighting, and More! for these.

Mech mods can be dangerous if you ignore battery safety. A short from improper coil placement or drawing too much amperage from your battery is easy to do if improperly informed.

Hot battery's are a warning sign that something is wrong and you should always check them after firing your new build.

If using cotton for your wick, organic is reccomended, but not required. Simply saturate the wicks with juice and burn it off in 2-3 second pulses until dry. This will remove any left over cleaner from the cotton.

Hope this helps, and hope you enjoy your new mod!

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

Do everything everybody said in this thread thus far, plus read my blog Ohm's Law 101 for Vapers (Link Below). Be certain to read Batitude's blog Susan posted before you buy batteries. I suggest RTD Vapor as a good source for your batteries. I suggest USA Ohm Meters for an accurate meter for building, then any DMM for checking things. Also:

If it don't fire when it should, STOP, pull the battery out, break out the Ohm meter and see what's wrong.

If it get's hot, do the above.

 

[crazyfingers123]

Is the stuff from illumn.com all authenic? Also thanks for the info!

 

[xfairyxcrusherx]

To the best of my knowledge yes. I read something on reddit from them saying that they sold son counterfeits accidentally but sent everybody who received one an authentic

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

I forgot to mention, get a good charger, like an xtar or pila.

On battery brands, LG, Samsung, AW, and Sony (BEWARE OF FAKES, buy from a trusted source.) are probably some of the best.

I have AW, LG, and Samsung, all seem as advertised.

 

[Ryedan]

Is the stuff from illumn.com all authenic? Also thanks for the info!

To the best of my knowledge yes. I read something on reddit from them saying that they sold son counterfeits accidentally but sent everybody who received one an authentic

xfairyxcrusherx is correct. This is one reason I go to Illumn first and if they have what I need I buy it there.